Pilot
What's it like to be a Pilot?
A Pilot (Kaiwhakahaere Waka Rererangi) in New Zealand usually work for airlines, charter companies, agriculture, tourism or the military. They may transport passengers or freight, operate tourism flights such as skydiving, apply chemicals or fertiliser on farms, spread poison bait over the bush, or provide helicopter services. As well as flying aircraft, Pilots need to check flight plans and equipment, liaise with air traffic control, navigate, keep flight logs, write reports, and interact with passengers.
Tasks and duties
- Checking the weather, the flight path and confirming flight schedules.
- Running a comprehensive pre-flight check-list of all systems, including fuel, engines, hydraulics and electronics.
- Flying the aircraft from point of origin to destination, including take-off and landing.
How to become a Pilot
Commercial Pilots need to learn to fly, complete a set number of flying hours, pass medical examinations, and gain appropriate licences.
Gain a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) at a flight training organisation, which involves taking flying lessons, and passing theory exams.
Complete a one-year New Zealand Diploma in Aviation (Level 6), or Graduate Diploma in Aviation, or a three-year Bachelor of Aviation.
Gain a Commercial Pilot Licence, which involves completing 200 hours of flying time, passing theory and practical tests, and obtaining a Class 1 Aviation Medical Certificate.
You may need to complete further study and flying hours for specialist roles, such as a Multi-engine Instrument Rating to fly a propeller or jet aircraft, or an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) to fly a plane that needs a co-pilot.
To become a Military Pilot, you will need to complete training in the Royal NZ Air Force.
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